Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Is Optimistic That The Distribution Of Social Assistance To Be Completed In March

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Muhadjir Effendy is optimistic that the distribution of social assistance (bansos) to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will be completed by March 2022.

"The social assistance is smooth. The average has reached above 30 percent. It is hoped that it will be finished by March 3, everything has been distributed," said Muhadjir Effendy while reviewing the distribution of social assistance in Canden Village, Dukuh Sembung, Boyolali Regency as quoted in a press release quoted by Antara, Friday, February 25th.

Muhadjir said the government's efforts to accelerate the distribution of social assistance had shown positive results. Seen from the achievement of the distribution of social assistance, both the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT)/Sembako, the average is already above 30 percent.

Previously, President Joko Widodo ordered to accelerate the distribution of social assistance so that it could be completed by the end of February 2022.

“It's been very super special. The average increase per day (distribution of social assistance) is good. At least we hope that the beginning of the first week of March has been achieved. If it's not 100 percent, usually there's still some left, we'll catch up later,” he said.

He asked local governments throughout Indonesia to participate in monitoring and checking in detail the distribution and utilization of social assistance in their respective regions.

"The slow ones must be escorted, especially from the Himbara Bank or PT Pos Indonesia so that they really reach those who are entitled," he said.

Muhadjir asked Himbara Bank to immediately notify the beneficiary when the money that should have been received had been entered into the account. Thus, recipients can immediately take and spend to meet food and other needs.

He said one area that was considered to be an example in accelerating the distribution of social assistance, namely Tegal Regency to 52,138 beneficiaries.

“Earlier, PT Pos promised that no later than March 3, all assistance, both BPNT and basic necessities in Tegal Regency, would be completed. In accordance with the President's order to accelerate, so that in early March all residents in need will receive social assistance," he said.